Information about hate crime

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Information about hate crime

A man with his hand raised in the air to ask a question.

What is hate crime?

Hate crime is a crime that happens to you because of something like:

Disability Wheelchair sign
  • your disability
A temple, a Buda statue, a symbol and a crucifix
  • your religion or the things you believe in
The world from space
  • where your family come from
Two men in a relationship hold each other

  • your sexuality .

    This is whether you fancy men, or women or both.

A group of young people swearing and saying nasty things to an old lady who looks scared

Hate crime is when someone does things like:

  • call you nasty names and say horrible things to you
A gang of people beside a wall which has lots of graffiti on it

  • damage your house or your things

    For example, they may break a window or steal your things.

A man is about to hit a girl who has her hands in front of her face in terror
  • hit, punch or kick you
A mobile phone showing a picture of a man in black swearing
  • send you nasty text messages or letters or make nasty phone calls to you.
A man with his hand raised in the air to ask a question.

How can I stop hate crime happening to me?

Hate crime is against the law .

You must tell someone if hate crime is happening to you.

A woman is calling the police on her mobile phone

You can tell:

  • the police
A man is using his mobile phone

  • a group called Stop Hate UK

    You can phone them on 0800 138 1625.

A woman with her hands folded standing and talking to her friend. Her friend has his arm around her.
  • an advocate

An advocate is someone who will help you to speak up.

4 people sitting on a sofa.
  • a family member
A man and a woman hold hands in the air smiling
  • a friend
A support worker sits in front of a woman in a wheelchair, drinking coffee together.
  • your social worker , key worker or carer
A woman is helping a young girl with her school work
  • a tutor at college or a teacher at school.
A woman with her arms folded

Tips on what to do when hate crime is happening to you

Try to stay calm.

A woman walking past a gang

Try to walk away if you can.

A woman holding up her fist with a red cross next to her

Try not to hit, swear, shout or fight the person. You might get into trouble or get hurt.

A man writing in a diary at a desk

Every time something happens write down:

  • who did it
  • where it happened
  • what day it happened
  • what time it happened
  • what they did.
A mobile phone showing a picture of a man in black swearing

Keep any nasty letters, emails or text messages.

A woman with her hands folded standing and talking to her friend. Her friend has his arm around her.

Tell someone so you can get help to stop it.

A doctor with a speech bubble

What if I am still upset and scared when the hate crime has stopped

You can speak to your doctor and tell them how you feel. They might be able to find you a counsellor.

A counsellor is someone you can talk to about the way you feel.

A woman with a headset and a speech bubble which has an image of a signpost inside

Who can I speak to about hate crime?

You can speak to the Mencap Learning Disability Helpline:

Phone: 0808 808 1111

Email using our online form

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This Easy Read was first published as a PDF in 2012.

This version was last updated: 26/09/2024.

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